Seashell Trust gives thanks to Stockport Football Club manager Jim Gannon for opening this year’s Summer Fair, and helping the Trust to raise £3,500 which will go towards helping to provide services to the profoundly disabled children and young people it cares for.

Local celebrities Jim Gannon and Alan Lord opened the event, which saw over 1,000 people take part in the activities which included markets, inflatable zone with assault course, family swimming and live music.

The Summer Fair was praised by visitors for being completely inclusive for people of all ages and abilities, from residents to members of the community with complex disabilities, everyone was able to take part.

The Stockport based charity, who have helped hundreds of young people with complex learning disabilities and communication needs, also raised an additional £500 with internal fundraising for a recording studio for its college rock band.

Employees of the trust raised funds throughout its birthday week of ‘Shellebrations’ from the waxing of two male staff members, to bake sales, and even a pajama day for the recording studio which has been on the wish list of the students for a long time.

The college rock band, known as Shell Shock, is built up of students of all abilities and disabilities, it gives the young people involved sensory stimulation and all members love their role in the band, from banging the drum to taking the lead on vocals.

Shell Shock has performed at many of Seashell’s key events including at the Trust’s charity fundraising Afternoon Tea birthday celebration last week. The recording studio will allow the students to produce copies of their music, and gives the band another motive to keep expanding.

Dominic Tinner, Head of Fundraising at Seashell said: “It’s been a great start to summer with the likes of Jim and Alan opening our summer fair, and all the amazing visitors who came on the day.

“We’re also thrilled that internally we were able to raise enough money to fund the College Rock Band’s dream of having a recording studio. Music is something at Seashell our students love and it helps them to learn life skills through sensory play and enjoyment.”